Letter from Naomi

I began learning the Alexander Technique because I have RSI, which affects my
whole body. I was in constant pain and everything I did seemed to make it
worse.

Alexander Technique has shown me a new and much more relaxed way to use my
body. Rather than being crushed by my physical problems, where I felt my
body was rebelling against me, through Alexander Technique I have been able
to make massive improvements in what I can do and minimising the symptoms I
have. It makes me feel lighter and walk taller. Not only have I got my
body back again but now I have a lot more idea how to avoid injuring myself
again in the future.

Hope you're well; see you Friday.

Further comments from an Alexander pupil…

Letter from Ali (East London)

I have been using the Alexander Technique for six months, following a car accident which took place a year and a half ago. The accident left me with severe whiplash and a lot of pain down the right-hand side of my body. I had been visiting chiropractors and taking a lot of painkillers. I hadn’t even heard of the Alexander Technique until it was recommended to me by a spinal surgeon. I was very cynical to begin with and thought it was just some new age treatment that wouldn’t work. However after 10 months with a chiropractor and still taking pain killers I decided I would have to be more open minded. When I started the Technique the whole of my right side had seized up and was numb. At the same time, I was crunching up my body to counteract the pain. After two lessons , I was pleasantly surprised by the effects of the treatment. The most important thing you can learn is to manage the pain yourself, which is simple once you have learnt the techniques. I would recommend the Technique for anyone with any form of joint pain. The Alexander Technique has speeded up my recovery immensely and I no longer feel so desperate to rush for the painkillers.

Further comments from an Alexander pupil…

Letter from Helen (Matlock)

About ten years ago I spent a year writing a report, using a computer with the keyboard at what I now know was the wrong height. I gradually became aware that I was losing my grip in my right hand, and writing with a pen was increasingly difficult.

Believing that rest would be the cure, I taught myself to write with my left hand. Two years later my writing was just about legible, but not only had my right hand not recovered, it was also moving involuntarily.

I was refereed by the GP to a neurologist who diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome, and I saw a surgeon who recommended an operation on my wrist. When I enquired how the cut would heal when my hand was constantly flexing, he suggested encasing my hand so it couldn’t move, or putting poison in my arm muscles to stop them contracting. Somehow I felt convinced that the problems in my hand/wrist were the symptoms rather than the cause, and decided not to have surgery.

In subsequent years I saw in turn an acupuncturist, kinesiologist, osteopath and a chiropractor. I thought at first each one was helping, but after a while I would feel I was making no real progress.

I eventually came upon a book about the Alexander Technique, which seemed to describe my symptoms. I felt drawn to the idea that a relatively small misuse of the body could lead to other problems developing.

I have now been an Alexander student for 24 months. By becoming more aware of how I use my whole body, (particularly my head and neck) my hand has gradually improved. My body habits are so ingrained it has been a very slow process to un-learn them. On days when my body feels calm and co-ordinated and my hand is relaxed and open, I feel elated that my hand is ‘better’. On other days I become aware that my hand is curled, or I am sitting awkwardly, and I realise I have much more to un-learn ! ….Thanks to the Alexander Technique I know there is so much more to un-learn.

Further comments from an Alexander pupil...

Cate P(Australia)

Hallo Sally,
How are you? I was a student of yours in London 1995-96 at Bodywise centre, remember the Australian social worker ? I have been meaning to write to you for the last few years and thank you for the wonderful lessons that really do contribute to my very fond memories of London. I also have to thank you as I had a car accident in 1997 and sustained a lower back injury, if I did not have the A.T. background my recovery would have been much harder. I also had a baby 6 months ago and I dread to think what that would be like without having learnt A.T. I hope you are well, you certainly are along way from London……Thanks again.

Footnote to letters .. The experiences expressed in these letters with regard to other practitioners are the experiences of students relevant to their particular circumstances and Sally Rughani wishes to express that they are in no way meant to discredit other colleagues in complementary practices.

Phone Sally Rughani (0115) 847 8801

Contact Sally Rughani